The People of Judah Will Die151 The LORD said to me:Even if Moses and Samuel were here, praying with you, I wouldn't change my mind. So send the people of Judah away. 2 And when they ask where they are going, tell them that I, the LORD, have said:Some of you are going to dieof horrible diseases.Others are going to die in waror from starvation.The rest will be led awayto a foreign country.3I will punish youin four different ways:You will be killed in warand your bodies dragged offby dogs,your flesh will be eaten by birds,and your bones will be chewed onby wild animals.4 This punishment will happenbecause of the horrible things[I]the horrible things: See 2 Kings 21.1-16.your King Manasseh[J]Manasseh: Hebrew “Manasseh son of Hezekiah”; he ruled 687–642 b.c. did.And you will be disgustingto all nations on earth.5People of Jerusalem,who will feel sorry for you?Will anyone botherto ask if you are well?6My people, you abandoned meand walked away.I am tired of showing mercy;that's why I'll destroy you7by scattering you like strawblown by the wind.I will punish you with sorrowand death,because you refuseto change your ways.8There will be more widowsin Judahthan grains of sand on a beach.A surprise attack at noon!And the mothers in Jerusalemmourn for their children.9A mother is in deep despairand struggles for breath.Her daylight has turnedto darkness—she has suffered the lossof her seven sons.I will kill anyone who survives.I, the LORD, have spoken.Jeremiah Complains10I wish I had never been born!I'm always in troublewith everyone in Judah.I never lend or borrow money,but everyone curses mejust the same.11Then the LORD replied,“I promise to protect you,and when disaster comes,even your enemieswill beg you for help.”[K]help: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verse 11.The Enemy Cannot Be DefeatedThe LORD told me to say:12People of Judah,just as you can't break ironmixed with bronze,you can't defeat the enemiesthat will attackfrom the north.13I will give themeverything you own,because you have sinnedeverywhere in your country.14My anger is a firethat cannot be put out,[L]that cannot be put out: Some Hebrew manuscripts; most Hebrew manuscripts “against you.”so I will make you slavesof your enemiesin a foreign land.[M]I will make … land: Many Hebrew manuscripts; most Hebrew manuscripts “I will make your enemies go through to a land you don't know about.”Jeremiah Complains Again15You can see how I sufferinsult after insult,all because of you, LORD.Don't be so patientwith my enemies;take revenge on thembefore they kill me.16When you spoke to me,I was glad to obey,because I belong to you,the LORD All-Powerful.17I don't go to partiesand have a good time.Instead, I keep to myself,because you have filled mewith your anger.18I am badly injuredand in constant pain.Are you going to disappoint me,like a stream that goes dryin the heat of summer?The LORD Replies19Then the LORD told me:Stop talking like a fool!If you turn back to meand speak my message,I will let you be my prophetonce again.I hope the people of Judahwill accept what you say.But you can ignore their threats,20 because I am making you strong,like a bronze wall.They are evil and violent,but when they attack,21I will be there to rescue you.I, the LORD, have spoken.